History 101

    Reading book 8 with some basic knowledge of Roman history adds quite a bit to the analysis.  I had very little memory of Roman history so I began to google like crazy! After re-reading this book it became clear to me that Aeneas = Augustus.  

    During book 8 we are given an exact moment in Augustus' life, The Battle of Actium, which coresponds to Aeneas' own conquest.  In this battle, Augustus is fighting Antony over, supposedly, a woman - Cleopatra.  Of course, becoming the Emperor of Rome may have had more to do with this battle than defending his sister, Octavia's honor.  Antony married Octavia in order to force an unsteady truce with Augustus.  Soon after, however, he marries Cleopatra (some even say before he divorced Octavia). Probably

    More similarities exists within the book:   First, Augustus is fighting two foes, Antony & Cleopatra. Aeneas is fighting two foes as well, Turnus & Mezentius.  Moreover, in this book, Aeneas brings together two gods who formerly did not get along, Juno & Hercules.  This bringing together of the two is representative of the Pax Romana which Augustus brings to Rome.  And lastly, Aeneas helping the Estuscans is an example of how Rome aided its neighbors & rather than just conquering & pilfering a land they would protect & rule it.

   Knowing the history behind the information provided in this book explains why nothing really happens.  Virgil is offering an examination of Rome's glory/history for the readers.  In addition, he reveals his patrons greatness while at the same time furthering the theme of good overthrowing evil.